Vertical transmission of a phylogenetically complex microbial consortium in the viviparous sponge Ircinia felix.

ABSTRACT: Many marine demosponges contain large amounts of phylogenetically complex yet highly sponge-specific microbial consortia within the mesohyl matrix, but little is known about how these microorganisms are acquired by their hosts. Settlement experiments were performed with the viviparous Caribbean demosponge Ircinia felix to investigate the role of larvae in the vertical transmission of the sponge-associated microbial community. Inspections by electron microscopy revealed large amounts of morphologically diverse microorganisms in the center of I. felix larvae, while the outer rim appeared to be devoid of microorganisms. In juveniles, microorganisms were found between densely packed sponge cells. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) was performed to compare the bacterial community pr

SUBMITTER: Schmitt S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1855684 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature